When active Invisalign treatment concludes, a new phase of your orthodontic journey begins, focused entirely on preserving the newly achieved alignment. This transition marks the end of moving teeth and the start of holding them firmly in their corrected positions. The investment of time and money in clear aligners is protected only by consistent adherence to the retention phase. Without this continuation of care, the results gained from the aligners would quickly be compromised, making retention a necessary final step to ensure the longevity of your new smile.
The Necessity of Retention
The biological reason teeth want to shift back, a process called relapse, lies in the surrounding tissues that connect the tooth to the jawbone. Each tooth is held in place by periodontal ligaments, which possess a “memory” that tries to pull the teeth back toward their original positions.
Orthodontic movement requires the body to break down and rebuild the bone around the tooth roots, known as bone remodeling. After movement, this new bone is initially less dense and flexible. It takes a significant amount of time for the bone to fully stabilize and for the periodontal ligaments to reorganize in the new position. Retainers provide the constant, gentle pressure needed to anchor the teeth until the surrounding bone and tissue have fully adapted.
Types of Post-Invisalign Retainers
Retainers provided after Invisalign treatment fall into two main categories: removable and fixed.
Removable Retainers
The most common removable option is the Vivera retainer, the official brand offered by Invisalign. Vivera retainers are constructed from a clear, proprietary thermoplastic material engineered to be durable. They are custom-made from a digital scan of your final tooth position, offering a precise, snug fit that closely resembles the aligners used during treatment.
Another type of removable appliance is the Hawley retainer, a traditional design made of metal wires embedded in an acrylic plate. The metal wire runs across the front of the teeth, while the acrylic rests against the roof of the mouth or the tongue side of the lower teeth. Though less common after clear aligner therapy, Hawley retainers are highly durable and allow the teeth to settle into their final bite position. However, they are more visible and can occasionally affect speech until the wearer adjusts.
Fixed Retainers
Fixed retainers, often called bonded or permanent retainers, consist of a thin, custom-fit wire cemented to the back surface of the front teeth, typically on the lower arch. This wire is placed from canine to canine and is not visible when smiling. The primary benefit of a fixed retainer is that it works continuously, removing any reliance on patient compliance for that specific area of the mouth. Cleaning around the bonded wire requires careful attention and often specialized tools like floss threaders to prevent plaque buildup.
Understanding the Retention Wear Schedule
The wear schedule for a retainer is broken into distinct phases designed to gradually reduce the required daily commitment.
Initial Stabilization Phase
The initial phase immediately following alignment is the most demanding, requiring nearly full-time wear, typically 20 to 22 hours per day. This phase usually lasts between three to six months and is necessary to prevent immediate shifting while the bone and tissues stabilize. During this period, the retainer should only be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing.
Long-Term Maintenance Phase
Once initial stabilization is complete, the orthodontist approves a transition to the long-term maintenance phase, which is generally nighttime-only wear. This means wearing the appliance for the eight to ten hours you are asleep. Many orthodontic professionals recommend that this nightly wear continues indefinitely, or at least several nights a week for life, to guard against the natural movement of teeth that occurs with age. Skipping the retainer can cause a noticeable shift, potentially leading to the need for costly re-treatment.
Maintenance and Longevity of Your Retainer
Proper care is essential to extend the life and effectiveness of a removable retainer. Clear retainers, such as Vivera, should be cleaned daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a mild soap or a specialized cleaning solution. Avoid using toothpaste, which can be abrasive and scratch the plastic surface, creating crevices where bacteria can multiply. Retainers must also be kept away from heat sources, including hot water or being left in a hot car, as the thermoplastic material can warp and lose its precise fit.
When not in use, the retainer must be stored safely in its protective case to prevent loss or damage. Removable retainers will wear out over time; a set of Vivera retainers typically lasts between 12 to 18 months before needing replacement, though this lifespan can vary. Fixed retainers require a different cleaning focus, primarily involving the use of floss threaders or interdental brushes to meticulously clean the areas beneath the bonded wire. Regular dental check-ups are important to ensure the fixed wire remains securely bonded and intact.